Friday is the first anniversary of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, with new Western sanctions.
After a year of war, to the day, Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday February 24 that he was aiming for a “inevitable victory” this year against Russia. The Ukrainian president is supported by many countries, including the European Union and the G7, which have announced a new strengthening of their sanctions against Moscow.
Franceinfo returns to the highlights of the day on the front of the war in Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelensky eyeing Ukraine win in 2023
Volodymyr Zelensky, who has become the face of the Ukrainian resistance all over the world, has set the goal of defeating the Russian giant “This year”. “If the partners keep their word and respect the deadlines, an inevitable victory awaits us”he said at a press conference. “If General (and US Chief of Staff Mark) Milley wants the enemy to be pushed back faster, he must speed up arms deliveries”he added.
In Kiev, the Ukrainian president paid tribute in the morning to Ukrainian soldiers on the front and those who fell in battle, during a ceremony on the forecourt of Saint Sophia Cathedral. Commemorations were held locally, including in Boutcha, the site of a massacre of civilians blamed on Russian troops.
Western countries increase their support for kyiv and sanction Moscow again
Visiting Kiev, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki earlier announced the arrival of the first four Leopard 2 battle tanks, and that more tanks would arrive “in a few days”. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his part announced that his country would deliver four additional Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, bringing its contribution in this area to eight.
The Swedish presidency of the Council of the European Union has also affirmed that a new set of sanctions against the Russian economy had been approved on Friday evening. “Today the EU approved a 10th sanctions package which includes, among other things, stricter restrictions on the export of dual-use technology and goods, targeted restrictive measures against persons and entities who support the war , spread propaganda or deliver drones used by Russia in the war and measures against Russian disinformation”said the Swedish presidency on Twitter.
The United States also announced on Friday, in coordination with the G7 countries, a new round of measures targeting, among others, Russian companies and people in the metal, mining, military equipment or semiconductor sectors.
China proposes talks between Ukraine and Russia
China called on Friday to hold Russian-Ukrainian peace talks, citing respect for Ukrainian territorial integrity and Russian security claims, an equation so far impossible. Westerners largely dismissed this initiative, but Volodymyr Zelensky judged “necessary” of “to work” with Beijing and said he planned a meeting with his counterpart Xi Jinping.
Moscow said “enjoy” the Chinese effort, but considered that the integrity of Ukraine could not be respected, judging that the annexation claimed by Moscow of Ukrainian regions was “a new territorial reality”.
International solidarity with Ukraine, one year after the start of the conflict
Around the world, the tone was generally one of solidarity with Ukraine on Friday, the first anniversary of the conflict. Demonstrations were organized in many cities. In Paris, the day after the illumination of the Eiffel Tower in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, a rally takes place, Place de la République.
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In Berlin, the carcass of a Russian tank was installed in front of the Russian Embassy, the gun turned towards it. In Hollywood, about thirty stars transmitted their “amour” and addressed their prayers to Ukraine.
World Bank grants $2.5 billion in aid
This amount should allow “support the maintenance of essential services and recovery efforts” in Ukraine. The new line of credit now brings the funds mobilized by the World Bank for Kyiv to $20.6 billion.